Wildlife Preserve

The 3,700 acre wildlife preserve is home to more than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds. It is a working ranch that maintains the animals for the enjoyment of our guests in a natural, protected setting. Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, created the Woolaroc preserve in 1925 to retain the essence of the West as he had known it before the turn of the century. That earlier time had an untamed quality that is evident at Woolaroc today.

Frank Phillips worked with several wild animal experts to obtain a wide variety of animals from around the world for his Woolaroc Ranch. Great care was taken to provide the right care and environment for the animal collection. The animals and birds you see today have adapted to the climate, which, in many cases, was similar to their natural environment.

After entering the Woolaroc grounds, there is a two mile drive through the animal preserve to the main complex and a drive back through the preserve as you conclude your Woolaroc visit.

Since most of the animals roam the entire preserve, there is no assurance that you will see any or all of the different species during your visit.

The prominent species at the Woolaroc Ranch are the American Bison (buffalo), elk (wapiti) and longhorn cattle, which are truly native to this area and were found here in the days before Columbus. Other species include the Japanese Sika deer, North European fallow deer, water buffalo, llamas, aoudads, ostriches, Sardinian donkeys and pigmy goats.

The Woolaroc bison herd dates back to January 16, 1926, when 90 of the animals, commonly called buffalo, were brought here from South Dakota. The elk herd was started in the early 1930's when 40 of the animals were purchased from a ranch in Montana.

Please note: The preserve animals are wild. They are unpredictable and much larger, stronger and faster than they may appear. Visitors must stay in their car until reaching the main parking areas. Do not leave your vehicle to photograph, feed or touch any of the animals.

Museum

Lodge

Videos

Frank's Story

Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, was born near Scotia, Greeley County, Ne...